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pork · corn tortillas · mexican

Crispy Pork Carnitas Tacos

Pickled Red Onion
dairy-freegluten-free

Ingredients

Carnitas

Pickled Onion

Method

1

Toss the pork shoulder chunks with the cumin, oregano, and salt in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker.

2

Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, orange juice and spent halves, lime juice, and water.

3

Cover and cook at a low simmer on the stovetop (or in a 300°F/150°C oven, or a slow cooker on low) for 3-3½ hours, until the pork shreds easily with a fork.

4

Meanwhile, combine the sliced red onion, lime juice, salt, and sugar in a jar. Let sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, tossing occasionally.

5

Remove the pork, discard the bay leaves and orange halves, and shred the meat with two forks. Spread the shredded pork on a sheet pan and broil for 5-7 minutes, or crisp in batches in a hot skillet, until the edges are browned and crispy.

6

Pile the crispy carnitas into warm corn tortillas and top with pickled red onion and chopped cilantro.

Serve with warm corn tortillas, pickled onion, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Notes

  • The braising liquid makes a fantastic base for beans or rice — don't toss it.
  • Carnitas freeze well; shred and freeze before the final crisping step.

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